Academic dress of the University of Manchester describes the gowns, hoods and headwear which are prescribed by the university for its graduates and officers. Introduction The University of Manchester was created as a result of the merger of UMIST and the Victoria University of Manchester in 2004. Rather than adapt the academic dress of its predecessor institutions, the university appointed Ede & Ravenscroft to create a new range of academic robes upon its foundation. In the university regulations it states: "Those Members of the University who are entitled to wear academic dress shall do so at the ceremonials of the University." The wearing of academic dress is confined to occasions of high ceremony, especially graduation congregations, therefore undergraduate gowns for university-wide purposes do not exist, neither do 'undress robes' for doctors. However, in a few traditional halls of residence undergraduates wear academic gowns at formal dinners, held biweekly at St. Anselm Hall and twice a term at Hulme Hall. Also, university staff participating in ceremonies as ushers wear a black gown of a different pattern than that prescribed for bachelor or master graduates. At a University of Manchester graduation ceremony the graduands wear the academic dress appropriate to the qualification they are about to be awarded. Mortarboards or Tudor bonnets are worn at the finish of the ceremony and in procession, but held in the hand otherwise. Officers of the university and participating academics wear their headgear throughout, except when tipping their hats to the presiding officer and speakers. Gowns Bachelors and holders of Diplomas and Certificates Bachelors etc. - A robe of black silk or stuff of the shape special to the University. The gown is of the traditional masters' shape with the boot of the sleeve cut into the shape of an 'M', a distinction unique to the university, designated [m18] under the Groves classification system. Masters Masters - A robe of black silk or stuff of the shape special to the University, as for bachelors. Doctors Higher Doctorates (e.g. DSc, DLitt) - A robe of scarlet cloth in the Oxford Doctors' pattern. The robe has sleeves and facings of purple, edged for one inch with gold ribbon (the 'gold ribbon' used throughout the university's academic dress is yellow, rather than metallic, in appearance) Other Doctorates (e.g. PhD, DEng) - A robe of maroon cloth in the Oxford Doctors' pattern. The robe has sleeves and facings of purple,